Increasing Agricultural Commodity Trade (IACT)

The main goal of the European Union-funded Increasing Agricultural Commodity Trade (IACT) project is to strengthen the export capacity of Pacific member countries in the primary industries of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and livestock. The project employs a whole-of-supply chain approach, assisting commercial ventures and producer groups to become export-oriented, market-driven enterprises that will consistently supply overseas markets with competitive agriculture, forestry and aquaculture products. The project is implemented by the Land Resources Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in Suva, Fiji and started in June 2011.

Suva, Fiji – The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) has launched a DVD set of television documentaries showcasing the impact of the European Union - supported Increasing Agricultural Commodity Trade (IACT) Project.

The DVD set features 15 Talk Business episodes that document how enterprises in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Solomon Islands are benefitting from IACT, a project that is strengthening the export capacity of Pacific countries in the primary industries of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and livestock.

The episodes highlight the progress brought to the enterprises and include the testimonies of beneficiaries, including farmers. The DVD set was launched at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel by the head of the European Union Delegation for the Pacific, Ambassador Andrew Jacobs, SPC’s Deputy Director for the Land Resources Division, Sairusi Bulai, and Fiji Television Limited’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Geoffery Smith.

The launch comes at a time of growing importance of strategic partnerships between development agencies and the media in communicating on–the-ground progress and impact in the Pacific.

“This Talk Business series enables the sharing of best practices through television and social media with people from as far as South Korea, Africa and Europe who can learn about agricultural practices in the Pacific,” Mr. Bulai said.

“The Increasing Agricultural Commodity Trade project is an important part of the European Union's effort to improve export capacity within the private sector. It is a good example of what can be achieved through cooperation with the sector. We actively support enterprises that will help to create meaningful jobs for the people of the Pacific and help improve their livelihoods," Ambassador Jacobs said.

The Talk Business show aired by Fiji Television Limited – along with SPC’s own show, The Pacific Way - has a strong following in Fiji, the Pacific and beyond making it another ideal platform to raise awareness in taking agricultural businesses to the export level.

The launch coincided with the 2015 European Year of Development’s June theme - Sustainable Growth, Decent Jobs and Businesses.

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